by Norman W Wilson, PhD
Altered states of consciousness have been described as trance, hallucination, or hypnotic state. Whatever the description there are certain identifiable traits or characteristics. Among the more notable are these :
- Different sense of time
- Change in emotional expression
- Dissolution of the boundaries between Self and environment
- Visual imagery
- A sense of the ineffable.
- Out-of-body experience
This last characteristic of an altered state of consciousness has been in the news. Recent researchers claim they have created virtual-reality avatars to create out-of-body experiences. (Feb. 17, 2011. The Guardian, UK)) The group successfully ‘projected’ people into digital avatars that could move around in a virtual environment. According to the group’s report, the participants experienced the digital body as if it were their own. The study did not address the altered state of consciousness created through hypnosis to allow an out-of-body experience.
The Telegraph (UK) (Feb. 18, 2011) reported “Out-of-body experiences are just the product of a confused mind and that scientists now claim they have dispelled this myth by artificially creating an out-of-body experience using computers and cameras.
This study, conducted by neurologist, Olaf Blanke of the brain Mind Institute of Ecole Polytechnique Federal de Lausanne, Switzerland was reported at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Neither news report exposes the fact that the participants were aware they were using a computer program and this may have impacted the assigned results. I believe there is room to raise significant questions about the claimed role of the senses, particularly those of sight and touch, in creating an illusional world. When it is a shamanic created altered state of consciousness, sound may be used; it is not however, a requirement.
To find out more about shamanism, my book, Shamanism What It’s All About, is available at the Snow Goose Bookstore.
